Ross Cameron Hart

I was born and grew up in the area - my family has served the legal needs of the area since 1892, over 120 years. My goal is to explain the legal process in plain English and to avoid the 'technical lawyer words' which only confuse many people. The primary focus of my firm is now "Elder Law" which broadly includes estate planning, Nursing Home admissions and Medicaid applications and adult guardianship. After a family member dies, we advise and assist in the estate administration process. In short, we help families plan and deal with aging and death and navigating the legal system.

• Elder Law
• Probate
• Estate Planning
• Real Estate Law
• Business Law

Virginia

Since 1976

4th Circuit

Since 1981

Owner/President

Hart & Hart Attorneys Ltd

1976 - Current

Family firm begun by my grandfather and his brother (Hon. John L. Hart) in 1892

University of Virginia School of Law

J.D. (1976)

1973 - 1976

Monmouth College

B.A. (1973) | Business Adm

1969 - 1973

NAELA

MEMBER

2008 - Current

Virginia Academy Elder Law Attorneys

Director

2008 - Current

Salem/Roanoke County Bar Ass'n

Member

2004 - Current

Virginia State Bar

Member

1976 - Current

Q. I have a home in Fairfax, VA that I paid almost 80% of the property, but I still have 15 more years to pay it off .

10 June 2020

A: You know that 'whack-a-mole' arcade game where 'moles' pop up and you take a club and knock them back into the hole? Estate planning is a lot like that. You need a comprehensive review of your situation and a coordinated plan - failure to do that can seriously reduce what your children receive on your death. Elder Law attorneys excel at this type of work. To find an Elder Law attorney you can search here or go to the Virginia Academy of Elder Law Attorneys website at www.vaela.org. This forum is designed and good for simple, general questions that will get you to the 'next step' for legal situations. Sometimes all people need is a simple answer. From the facts you’ve given, it seems that you need a lot more than an internet answer.

Q. Warrant in Debt for a tenant; judgement 9/2/15 Wants to settle. Do we go to Clerk of Court or how do I proceed?

26 May 2020

A: Yes, she can file bankruptcy to discharge the debt. All you really need to do is 1) agree on an amount 2) get that amount and give tenant a receipt, 3) within 30 days advise the court that the judgment has been satisfied. It's an easy form and the clerk will help you with it. As to interest - $14,000 at 6% from 9/2/2015 does NOT make it over $20,000. It looks as if you compounded the interest which you cannot do. (I calculate the interest at just under $4000).

Q. Can a son or daughter on the deed of their parents home, simply sell the house for profit if they have siblings?

25 May 2020

A: Mr. Sternberg is correct - you don't provide nearly enough information to answer your question. Being 'on the deed' can mean a number of things from simply a co-owner to having the remainder after a parents' life estate.